A once-in-a-lifetime vocal concert – for charity

My friend Tim Hauser is part of the jazz vocal quartet Manhattan Transfer, and he’s also a really great guy.

Which is why I’m passing this message along, in the hopes that some of my readers, whether from the Capital District or worldwide, would be interested in supporting this effort.

Read on, and whatever you can offer to help Tim in his charitable efforts would be fantastic.

A LETTER FROM TIM HAUSER ’59, ALUMNUS OF ST ROSE HIGH SCHOOL and FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER.

Dear friends and family,

As most of you know, my high school, St. Rose in Belmar, New Jersey, suffered immense damage in Hurricane Sandy. The devastation is estimated at over five million dollars in damage, primarily due to the need to remove all of the mold in two of the first floor school buildings, and in the basement of the old building. The damage caused to the music and art departments was estimated at $250,000, i.e., total destruction. Some things absolutely cannot be replaced, such as valuable art portfolios of the students and teachers.

Myself and my partners, Alan, Cheryl and Janis – are pleased to let you know that on Thursday, March 28, 2013, The Manhattan Transfer, along with The New York Voices, and Jon Hendricks will present “An Evening of Vocalese” at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. This is the first time this concert has been presented in the NY/NJ area. All of the proceeds from this concert will go toward the restoration of St. Rose’s Music and Art Departments.

We don’t often get the chance to perform with these great artists. Jon is now 91 years old, and has the energy of young man – he’s absolutely amazing. The New York Voices are one of the greatest vocal groups around, and we will all be doing our own songs, as well as doing some musical pieces together.

If you cannot attend the concert, we would ask you to please make a donation. As I probably mentioned from the stage, I was a student at St. Rose, and when I saw what the storm did to the school, I was heartbroken. I know in my heart that if each one us contributes something, we can repair this damage.

I wish to thank all of you for your willingness to help our effort as it’s greatly appreciated.

Like I’ve been saying, “If everybody can do something for the Jersey Shore, it could be fixed!”

Regards,

Tim

This is personal. How many of us have had our lives touched by natural disasters like Irene or Sandy or Katrina? And now, here’s a chance to help restore a beloved school and get to see a fantastic jazz vocal concert, probably a concert for the ages.